Golf instruction is always evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Timeless Tips, we highlight some of the greatest advice that teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today, Johnny Miller shares five keys to ballroom dancing from our September 1976 issue.
There aren’t many golfers in the history of the game who hit the ball as well Johnny Miller. During his prime, there was little doubt he was among the best in the game – and he has the resume to prove it.
From 1971 to 1976, Miller won 18 times—including two majors—and shot a final 63 at Oakmont which is still one of the great shows of all time. When Miller was on, he was on
If you are looking to become a more solid ball striker, there is no better tutor than Miller. And back in the September 1976 issue of GOLF Magazine, Miller shared his five key moves to help everyday golfers in this endeavor. Check them out below.
Miller’s 5 Keys to Ball Hitting
1. Takeaway of a piece
The importance of pulling it all together in the takeaway is that it engages the entire left side so that it swings from the firmly planted right leg. Because you have established the position of the right leg at address, you do not need to think about it during the swing.
2. Seven first
The initial cocking action sets the late release. But equally important is the fact that the wrists have to hit somewhere and when they do, they have to hit without disturbing the angle in the left wrist. Otherwise, the clubface will not be maintained in a square position. It is not only more natural to put the hands in advance, it is much easier to do than late cocking, because the club is always in front of you in the first set and the club travels much slower in this first phase of the backswing than towards the end of the backswing.
3. Hinging the arm and wrist
The right arm and wrist is essential in almost all athletic activities and golf is no exception. Setting up the right hand so that the shaft points to the tip of the right shoulder, however, is also vital, as it ensures that you swing in the right plane.
4. The knees in the downswing
Working on the knees as the first movement in the downswing accomplishes several things. Pulling the left knee toward the target transfers weight to the left foot and establishes a firmly planted left leg. Start the side cleaning action on the left. He also begins the left side swing, starting the pulling action from the left side and arm and continuing into a backhand stroke with the left hand. He also pulls the right arm still armed in the strike area, where the release in the angles in the right arm and the wrist will take place. The drive of the right knee adds considerably to the power and is an added force to the clearing action of the left side.
5. Release the corners
There is no doubt in my mind that the right hand and arm will hit and hit hard. I firmly believe, too, that there are more problems caused by inactive straight arms and wrists or straight arms and wrists where the angles are never released than practically anything else in the golf swing. The only proviso is that the left side has to pull first – then you can release the corners as much as you like.
When I work on my own golf swing, these are the basic movements I work on. And here I want to make another point. It is not good to work on these movements out of order.
The golf swing is a sequential affair; one thing leads to another. Therefore, it is not good to work on your takeaway if your address position is wrong. It is not good to work on establishing angles if your takeaway or early set is bad. But I work on it in order, from the address, through the systematic installation to the five basic movements, and they build and build.